The landholders were on their feet at Mr Roberts' request when applause drowned out noise from the nearby Tomingley gold mine's processing plant, 50 kilometres south-west of Dubbo.

They were the stars of the official opening of the mine, having made way for it.

"On behalf of all of us here, I want to especially acknowledge the fact that they you've worked so well to create an industry that will give our kids jobs, will give this region a future," the minister said.

"Co-existence" of agriculture and mining "enables us to drought-proof communities in rural and regional NSW", he said.

Alkane Resources' new gold mine didn't miss out on its share of the limelight on a day that was 13 years in the making.

"It will provide ongoing employment for 138 people and is expected to generate 300 indirect jobs, while 85 per cent of workers on site will be locals," Mr Roberts said.

Up to $40 million a year is expected to be injected into the regional economy through wages and payments to suppliers and contractors.

The minister said the mine would also help NSW retain its status as a gold producer and support essential services.

"Total gold production from NSW in 2012/13 was around a million ounces with the value of production close to $1.5 billion," he said.

"NSW is the second largest gold producer in the country, behind Western Australia, accounting for around 12 per cent of Australian production.

"Last financial year the NSW government received $1.3 billion in royalties from mining.

"Tomingley is expected to contribute nearly $3 million a year in royalties to the NSW economy to help fund frontline services such as nurses, police and teachers."

Yesterday's official opening and unveiling of a plaque preceded a "thank you" lunch for people who helped the mine get off the ground.

They included company staff, landholders, local government leaders, state and federal politicians, contractors and members of a community consultative committee.

Before meat and salad was served, committee member Barbara Dunn admitted to "mixed feelings" because of her connection to the land.

" But I welcome Alkane, they're very generous, very lovely people," she said.

"I love the land and hate seeing this happen, but I know it will all be put back as it should be when it's finished."

Alkane Resources forked out $30 million to find gold at Tomingley and obtain approval to spend another $116 million building the medium-sized open cut and underground mine.

It is expected to produce up to 60,000 ounces of gold a year, generating a cashflow of about $20 million.

A newly-defined resource may extend the life of the mine from seven to 10 years.

Tomingley mine profits will be used by Alkane Resources in its bid to build the $1 billion and yet-to-be-approved Dubbo Zirconia Project based at Toongi, south of Dubbo.